As the air begins to cool and hold less moisture, so does our skin. This is a perfect time to adjust your diet and beauty regime to compensate for the dry months ahead. Adjusting your kitchen menu to include more warming foods, like soups and stews, can help nourish the internal yin, which is responsible for adding moisture and ultimately nourishing the skin from the inside. Eating seasonally has so many benefits; It’s logical and more importantly, it really helps your internal environment adjust to the external changes. Omega-3 and beta-carotene rich foods are the perfect choice to boost your yin and nourish your skin this fall.
Our favorite skin nourishing harvest includes kale, collards, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin. Not only are these veggies loaded with beta-carotene, but they also have high fiber content and many detoxifying benefits. Wild salmon is another wonder food for fall. Loaded with omega-3’s, two or more servings per week for a few weeks can enhance the luster of your complexion.
Beta-carotene can also be found in skin care products that use carrot root oil and carrot seed oil. These ingredients have an incredible effect on the moisture content of the skin. Along with oils like primrose and rose hip, which are high in omega-3’s, products that contain these ingredients are wonderful additions to your fall/winter skin care regime.
It makes sense to address your skin care in a two-fold manner. While loading on serums and moisturizers will give you immediate results, the long lasting effects come from a balanced diet that adjusts to seasonal shifts and our internal needs.
Visit last week’s blog entry for a yin nourishing curried squash soup. Visit our shop for the following products that contain a high content of beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids: Organic Facial Serum, Organic Night Serum.
Laura Kauffmann and Beth Hooper are Chinese medicine practitioners and organic skin care entrepreneurs, as well as co-founders of She Essential Beauty.